Renewable Energy Zone Coordinator

Department: Environment and Development Services

Reports to: Director Environment and Development Services

Salary Range: $1,826 - $2,084 per 35 hour week + superannuation (2 year Term Contract)

Join us and be part of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) project, the State’s first renewable energy zone, covering an expansive 20,000 sq. km across parts of Warrumbungle, Dubbo, and Mid-Western regions. This landmark initiative is set to drive the future of renewable energy in NSW, featuring a combination of solar, wind, and transmission projects. The REZ will have a significant impact on local communities and surrounding regions. 

The REZ Coordinator will provide strategic leadership and a cohesive approach to renewable energy projects, with particular emphasis on managing the roll-out of transmission lines in collaboration with EnergyCo. You will be responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate completion of organisational reporting, ensuring compliance with agreements between EnergyCo and Warrumbungle Shire Council, and actively seeking funding opportunities. The role requires a hands-on approach, coordinating with stakeholders, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the smooth integration of renewable energy projects into the community and local economy.

Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with budgeting processes, supporting funding opportunities, and assisting in grant submissions related to renewable energy transmission. You will also provide strategic input by evaluating industry best practices and coordinating responses to renewable energy projects, particularly EnergyCo initiatives.

This role involves representing the Council professionally, responding to renewable energy development enquiries, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, developers, and the local community. Additionally, you will offer advice on renewable energy projects and statutory planning matters, monitor project impacts, and ensure accurate reporting in alignment with agreements. A commitment to safety and environmental protocols, including risk assessments and adherence to Council’s safety standards, will also be essential in this role.

To succeed in this role, you will be efficient, organised, and able to meet deadlines while ensuring smooth processes. Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll navigate both sensitive situations and casual interactions with ease. You're a problem solver who thrives in the face of challenges, thinking critically to develop practical solutions. Adaptability is key, as you adjust to new systems and unexpected situations. A true team player, you collaborate seamlessly, supporting others and fostering a positive dynamic. Resilience is also important, as you handle the pressures of renewable energy projects with a positive outlook and professionalism.

Please click here to view the position description.

This is a two-year full-time term contract funded position based at Coonabarabran, with tenure being subject to the continuation of EnergyCo funding. 

Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.

Selection criteria include:

• Tertiary qualifications In Town Planning, Environment, Development Engineering or a related discipline
• Demonstrated ability to review complex reports and prepare submissions on behalf of Council related to renewable energy projects
• Demonstrated understanding and experience of planning processes relevant to State Significant Development (SSD) projects and the role of Local Government as part of these processes
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate legislation, in particular legislation relevant to the renewable energy industry
• Experience in project management and contracts administration
• The ability to engage with various stakeholders, both internal and external to the organisation, including organising meetings and recording accurate minutes
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills and ability to analyse and clearly communicate complex information and processes
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage significant workloads and competing demands, meeting strict deadlines
• Ability to work effectively with others, including developing work priorities and applying effective time management techniques
• Delivery of excellent service to customers including applying conflict resolution strategies and identifying, analysing and resolving problems, often without recourse to other staff
• Experience researching and applying for grant funding
• High level report writing skills
• Previous experience and understanding of local government environment
• Class C driver’s licence.
• It would be a plus if you have qualifications in project management and/or community engagement.

Benefits of working for Council

Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Great leave opportunities 
  • Long service leave after 5 years
  • 1 RDO every 4 weeks 
  • Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
  • Carer’s leave
  • 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
  • Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
• Support for training and professional development
  • Formal training opportunities
  • Access to thousands of free online training courses
• Weekly pay cycle
• Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements
• Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
• A generous relocation allowance may be available
• PPE provided
• Generous uniform allowance

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding careers@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 16 March 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.